POLLS: US replies Buhari group, explains role in Nigeria’s election

The United States (US) has reiterated that it is not taking sides or supporting any party or candidate in the coming general elections in Nigeria.

US ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington, stated this in a statement on Tuesday in response to claims by incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign team that the foreign nation was supporting the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It said “US Embassy in Nigeria wishes to reiterate unequivocally that we are not taking sides in Nigeria’s election. We do not support any party or candidate. We support a level playing field and the democratic process.  That is the bedrock principle of our Government’s advocacy on democratic elections.   In the final run-up to the Feb. 16 vote, fake news and rumors are operating in overdrive.   But it must be repeated:  we are not taking sides.

“This is Nigeria’s election and the citizens of Nigeria will decide who will lead their nation. It is important for the future of every Nigerian and it is important that every Nigerian contribute to making it a democratic, peaceful, free and fair process. This will ensure that all Nigerians see the results as credible, and they accept them. This will empower Nigeria’s democracy going forward, as did the elections of 2015.

“Every Nigerian citizen is vital to the success of this election. Each person is responsible for his or her own actions and words, and all must be held accountable: first by their own conscience, then under God, then in accord with the laws of Nigeria and in the court of Nigerian public opinion, and also in the eyes of the world.

“The United States is Nigeria’s long-term and enduring friend. We provide more than $1 billion in assistance and help save more than 2 million lives of Nigerians each year through our health and humanitarian assistance. This will not change. We are Nigeria’s good partner, and this will continue after this democratic election – no matter who wins.

“This election is Nigeria’s, but it is also important for Nigeria’s neighbors and for the world. Nigeria has long played a great leadership role in the region and beyond as a force for democratic stability. The credible electoral results of 2015 empowered Nigeria to play that role. The United States looks forward to a similar result this week.

“We support the democratic process and the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission in managing the elections.  We call on every Nigerian citizen, official, party member, and the security forces to peacefully support Nigeria’s democratic process in accordance with Nigerian law,” he said.

Symington further said that US welcomed the signing of Peace Accords by the candidates for president and other offices.

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He added, “Now is the time to grow that peace by ensuring all get the message and put it into action so that both the voting and the aftermath are peaceful and fully respect the democratic process.  Peace benefits all Nigerians and peace is the responsibility of every citizen as you work together to ensure your elections are free, fair, transparent, and credible.”

The ruling APC and Buhari’s campaign team has continued to suggest that the US is supporting the opposition after the foreign nation along with the United Kingdom (UK), and European Union (EU) condemned the manner and timing of Buhari’s suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen.

They have viewed it as being electorally motivated and had continued to insist that President Buhari sustained a free, fair and credible election which saw him defeat an incumbent president emerged President of Nigeria in 2015.

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